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Five Bold Buccaneers’ Predictions for the Upcoming Draft

By Alan Schechter

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bucs will Take Shaq Lawson on Day One

The final prediction is the most specific, therefore, the boldest.  On previous slides, I have mentioned the fact that edge pass rusher is the biggest need.  This is the pick if they stay at number nine.  If they trade down, especially for Muhammad Wilkerson, they will look elsewhere, potentially at a Jack Conklin or Taylor Decker on the offensive line.  But if they stay at nine, the pick will be Lawson.

Although I have offered the possibilities of a move up to select Joey Bosa, in the end they won’t be realistic, and I don’t see him falling to number nine either.  DeForest Buckner will likely be gone as well, and I do not see the Bucs taking a corner in this spot.  Emmanuel Ogbah is a second round guy at best for me, so that leaves the choice between Noah Spence and Shaq Lawson.

Next: Bucs' Rewind: Draft Edition

Talent-wise, Spence is probably a bit higher than Lawson.  However, the character issues with Spence are well-defined, so although Lawson is borderline top ten, he makes it up there thanks to the quality of character.

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